Keeping Canine Search Teams Safe

When it comes to helping a canine search team, the safety of the dogs is important. While dogs are highly trained to work off-leash and at high speeds, they are still vulnerable to many hazards that might not affect humans in the same way. As a handler or spotter/flanker, it’s essential that you can quickly and effectively identify these dangers to ensure the safety of the dogs in the field. In this post we are going to break down different hazards the dogs may face in a disaster environment.

Fall Hazards

Our search dogs are fast and fearless and are often willing to make risky leaps when following odor. A fall can result in serious injury. Be vigilant for:

Open windows: Canines will follow their noses to get to scent, even when that means jumping from height or leaping out a window.
Compromised basements: Collapsing or unstable basements can trap a dog, especially following a disaster.
Open sections of multi-story structures: Dogs running through partial collapses or near the edges of parking garages will follow scent and can take terrible falls.
Elevator shafts: Unprotected elevator shafts are a dangerous void that can easily be overlooked.
Tanks and pools: Not only can dogs get injured falling into tanks or pools some may contain toxic materials or be used for fuel storage in rural areas.
Manhole or sewer covers: These could be missing, broken or unsecured, posing a risk of a dog falling in.
Grease traps: Sometimes these are difficult to spot, but they can be a deep and dangerous trap for a dog.
False surfaces: Areas covered in debris or plant matter could conceal ravines, deep holes, or even pools that could result in a fall or a dog getting trapped.

Entanglement Risks

While humans can usually maneuver around obstacles, dogs might not be as easily able to escape from entanglements. Be aware of:

Building wiring: Loose or exposed electrical wires could pose a serious risk of entanglement.
Barbed, razor, and concertina wire: Dogs are particularly at risk of getting caught in or injured by sharp, tangled wire.
Plant life: plants like brambles can entangle and trap a dog.

Chemical Hazards

Remember that our dogs work barefoot, and they don’t wear protective clothing. They also groom themselves by licking. They can be impacted by chemicals that would not be a hazard for a human. Look out for:

Lawn or garden chemicals: Fertilizers and pesticides can be harmful if ingested or if they come into contact with a dog’s skin.
Pool chemicals: Chemicals used to treat swimming pools can be toxic.
Cleaning agents: Many common household or industrial cleaners are harmful to dogs if they are exposed to them.
Vehicle-related chemicals: Oils, antifreeze, and other car fluids can be toxic if a dog comes in contact with them.

Edible Hazards

Many of our dogs are food motivated. They may be well trained not to eat things while searching, but eventually they will try to grab some delicious morsel that can do them harm. Be cautious of what they may ingest during a search:

Rotten food: Decomposing food can carry harmful bacteria or mold that could make a dog sick. You do not want to have a dog with any GI distress while you’re deployed.
Dead animals: These can be a source of disease or toxins that could be harmful to a dog if ingested.
Baited animal traps: Poisoned baits, like cyanide traps or rodent/insect traps, can be deadly to dogs.
Elicit drugs: Dogs, especially search dogs, might stumble upon edibles laced with drugs like marijuana or other substances.
Toxic foods: Foods like chocolate, grapes, or onions are highly toxic to dogs and should be avoided.

Impalement Hazards

Sharp objects can easily cause life threatening injuries to a dog. Be wary of:

Sharp objects: Metal rods, rebar, and any other pointed debris could impale a dog.
Glass: Broken glass, such as from windows or containers, can lead to deep cuts and bleeding.

Animal Hazards

While dogs are trained to work around other animals, the following still pose a threat to canine search teams:

Venomous animals: Snakes, scorpions, wasps, bees, and fire ants can all pose significant risks to dogs.
Bites: Dogs may encounter other dogs, cats, or wildlife that could bite or injure them during a search.
Scratches: Even harmless-looking animals, like cats or smaller wildlife, can scratch, potentially causing infection or eye injuries.
Kicks: Livestock or wild animals can kick, leading to serious injuries.

Animal Traps

Traps meant for wildlife can also endanger your search dog:

Snares: These traps can tighten around a dog’s neck or body, causing suffocation or injury.
Body grip traps: Often lethal, these traps can severely injure or kill a dog if triggered.
Foot-hold traps: These traps can cause significant damage to a dog’s paw or leg.
Cage/box traps: Dogs could become trapped or injured in these devices if not properly handled.

Burn Hazards

In some environments, there may be hidden sources of heat that can lead to burns:

Hot surfaces: Pavement, metal, or other materials can become scalding hot in the sun or after a fire.
Burn pockets post-wildfire: Even after a fire has passed, certain areas can still harbor extreme heat.
Batteries: Damaged batteries, especially those in electronic equipment, can cause burns.

Cadaver dog searching structure with burning log nearby

Plant Hazards

Plants can present a wide range of dangers to canine search teams, from physical injuries to toxic exposures. Here are some plant-related hazards to be aware of:

Spear Grass: This plant can be particularly dangerous to dogs because its sharp, thorn-like seeds can become embedded in a dog’s skin, paws, or eyes. This can cause pain, infection, choking and other serious injury if not removed promptly.
Toxic Plants: Many common plants are poisonous to dogs. Some can cause mild gastrointestinal upset, while others can be fatal. The ASPCA provides a comprehensive list of toxic plants, which you can check here: ASPCA Toxic Plant List for Dogs. Some common examples include: oleander, azalea, sago palm, foxglove, yew, and many more.
Contact Hazards: Some plants are dangerous not because of ingestion, but because of direct contact. Thorns, sharp leaves, or spiny stems can cause painful cuts or scratches. Additionally, sap from certain plants (such as poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac) can cause severe allergic reactions and skin rashes.
Allergic Reactions: In addition to the physical hazards posed by plants, certain species can trigger allergic reactions in dogs, leading to itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Keep

Traffic Hazards

If you’re working on or near a road, traffic is a serious concern. Our dogs are not aware of moving vehicles, so it’s important to control traffic in and around search areas. It’s also important to coordinate with the operators of any heavy machinery that are in your search area and make sure they are aware the dogs are searching.

Conclusion

When working with canine search teams, the safety of the dogs should be a priority. While these animals are highly trained and capable of incredible feats, they can be vulnerable to hazards that aren’t always immediately apparent. By staying vigilant and identifying potential dangers in advance, you help ensure that the search process remains efficient, effective, and safe for everyone involved.

Stay safe out there, and always be prepared to act quickly to protect the dogs in your care!

Identifying Hazards in the Field